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With Google’s announcement of Android 4 (Ice Cream Sandwich), users are now chomping at the bit to update to the latest OS. And while Google did say that that most if not all phones with Gingerbread would see an upgrade to Android 4.0, it’s not a given. So, here is our concise “How-To” on getting you a scoop of Ice Cream.
The rule of thumb here is that the newer your phone, the more likely you’ll get it – and you should definitely be running vs. 2.3 (Gingerbread). Here is the list of phones that should, however, be upgraded: HTC Amaze 4G, HTC Droid Incredible (maybe), HTC Droid Incredible 2, HTC EVO 3D, HTC EVO Shift 4G, HTC G2, HTC Inspire 4G (maybe), HTC Sensation 4G, HTC ThunderBolt, LG G2x, Motorola Atrix 4G, Motorola Atrix 2, Motorola Droid 3, Motorola Droid Bionic, Motorola Droid RAZR, Motorola Droid X2, Samsung Galaxy Nexus (out of the box), Samsung Galaxy S II – (Galaxy S II, Epic 4G Touch), Samsung Infuse 4G, Samsung Nexus S (Nexus S 4G), and the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play.
Now, of course, this largely depends no your air carrier and if your phone has an overlay like Motoblur or TouchWiz. Usually, this causes delays in rolling out these updates and as such, it could be later than sooner that your phone gets upgraded. And if your phone isn’t on the list because it’s too old, then it becomes less likely you’ll get Ice Cream Sandwich if you haven’t been given Gingerbread yet. So now may be the time to look for a new phone if your contract is up. With the right phone, you might also want to learn how to install Android SNK and Android Studio.
But the good news is, that if your phone is on the list above, sooner or later you’ll get an over the air update to Android 4. That’s because Android phones have the benefit of having their updates done automatically. You wake up one morning and you find that your carrier stocked your phone’s freezer with Ice Cream Sandwich while you were sleeping. And that’s cool. All you will need to do it confirm the installation and let it go. Once installed, you can confirm by going to your phone’s device information screen to see that the latest version of Android is now on the phone. BTW – it’s always a good idea to back up your phone first, just in case, and to plug in your phone via USB or AC adapter during the upgrade. The last thing anyone wants is for their update to go bad because the phone battery died.
If you’re impatient and want to know if your phone’s update is available, you can manually check for Android updates. Do this by pressing the “Home” key, then the “Menu” button and go to the “Settings” option. In settings, you’ll see the option “About phone” near the bottom. From there, select“System updates” and your phone will look for any new Android updates to download and install. To streamline this process, download the app ANYCUT and you can create a shortcut on your main screen which will do all that with a quick tap. Another way to find out when updates are available is to follow your handset manufacturer and wireless carrier on Twitter. They will usually announce dates so you can be on the lookout.
Finally, if your phone is too old, or your carrier doesn’t think you should get Android 4 Ice Cream Sandwich, or if you’re just too impatient to get it, you can always “root” your phone and download a custom ROM of Android 4 once it becomes available. Rooting means you get administrator access to your phone and can customize it’s functions. There is a very active community of Android fans who are constantly working on versions of Android – called ROMS – which make a new version or Android available to phones that don’t get them, or that streamline the OS – taking out overlays like Motoblur or TouchWiz. A good place to learn more are the XDA Developer Forums. There you can get custom ROMs, Boot Managers, and there’s a very helpful community who are happy to answer any questions and help you troubleshoot should a root and rom go dreadfully wrong.
Hi I am using Samsung Tab GT 6200. How can I upgrade my android version.
I have android 2.1 can i upgrade it to 2.3 ginger or to 4 sandwich?????
Hello, I’m using HTC wildfire .. Can i upgrade its OS from Android 2.3 to 4.0?? Please help me up. Thank you [email protected] PLZ PLZ PLZ SEND IT …….
Kya hua upgrade
I am using Galaxy Ace S5830 of Android 2.3.6 version, please tell me how to update from 2.3 to 4.0 my mail ID [email protected]
hi i m using HTC Desire S…i wana upgrade my android 4m 2.3.5 to 4.0 how can i do it? plz email me on [email protected]
I’m using a Pandigital Super Nova tablet w/ Android 2.3. Can it be updated to 4.0?
I want to install android 2.3. to my phone I am using android 4.0 please help me I am using samsung galaxy tab.
I have L-04C (LG Optimus) Android Version 2.2.2, How can i update my phone (Android 4). Please Help me.
I am using Motorola Defy MB 525 with Android 2.2.2 how do I upgrade it to Android 4?
i purchases celkon a99+. can i upgrade android 2.3 to 4.0 ? please guide me [email protected]
Hi i am using HTC legend 2.2 android version I wanted to upgrade my device by android 4.0 so can u tell me how to upgrad my device by android 4.0 Hear is my email Id [email protected]
Hello, i have a Droid X2 verizon, running version 1.3.418. I was wondering if anyone knew what the latest version is that I can run. If there is a newer version, could I have a link so I can download it? Please, any help would be amazing. Thank you. Feel free to e mail me. Thanks!
Hi, I am using dell streak. How can I update android 2.2 to 4.0
pls were you able to get your phone upgraded then, am also trying to see if i can upgrade my dell streak too. tanks
hye,… im using xperia pro 2.3… how to upgrade ICS 4.0 [email protected]
Hello, I’m using Samsung galaxy ace+… Can i upgrade its OS from Android 2.3 to 4.0?? Please help me up. Thank you ([email protected])
thank you
m using sony xperia u,, how can i upgrade to android 4 ICS in it??? [email protected]
Hi… Im using Galaxy Fit mobile and my Android is 2.2.1 V. Let me know how can i upgrade to Android 4.0 version on this mobile.
plz email me at [email protected]
i’m using sony xperia p. how can i update it to android4/ android4 ics.? here is my email address: [email protected]. please send me the instruction. thanks
hi i am using samsung galaxy pop how can i upgrade to 4.0 if u know the solution means msg to my mail [email protected]
Hi… Im using Galaxy Fit mobile and my Android is 2.2.1 V. Let me know how can i upgrade to Android 4.0 version on this mobile. Please email me : [email protected]
hi imusing galaxy ace with 2.3.6 gingerbread android can i upgrade to ver 4.0 pls advisd and email me [email protected]
Hey I’m have the lg optimus q l55c running 2.3.4 gingerbread how can I get 4.0 I.C.S. ? My email is [email protected]
m using xperia U n cn any plzzz send me di link for how to upgarade frm 2.3 to icream sandwich plzz
im using android 2.2.2 i want it to 4.0 how? pls email me at [email protected]…
Im using HTC WILDFIRE A3333 model with an android version of 2.2.1… can i update it to the latest version 4.0?? if so..pls tell me my email id: [email protected]
i am using Motorola Milestone XT800, How i update it (2.1 to 2.3)
i have samsung galaxy y how can i update to from 2.3.6 to 4.0
Yeah I’m stuck on 2.3.6 as well.
I am using android 2.3 lgp999 am i able to upgrade my device to 4.0
i am using HTC Desire hd.I want to upgradeAndroid 2.2 to 4.0
[email protected]
I’m using 2.2 i want it to 4.0 what can i do for can update? my e-mail
m using htc inspire 4g.. is it ok 2 install…?
SPICE MI-280 is applicable for upgrade 2.3 to 4.0 plz answer ..
I have a sony ericsson wt19i.Can I upgrade this phone to android 4.0.
Hi, im using a samsung galaxy tab with the 2.2 version. How can i upgrade it to 4?
I got VOX tab pc. Can it be upgrade from android 2.3 OS to android 4 Ice Cream Sandwich ? Genuine assistance is truly welcomed !
im using samsung galaxy y os 2.3.6. and i want to upgrade with andriod 4.0.1 ice cream [email protected]
im using 2.1 i want it to 4.0 how do i do it here’s my email [email protected]
Hi, I have Motorola Droid x2 and I would like to install ICS Android 4.0. Can you let me know how can I update step by step? If you can send me to my e-mail, I would appreciated. Thanks [email protected]
Hi I m using samsung note GT-N7000 how can i update Android 2.3.6 to 4 [email protected]
i am using spice mi 425 having 1 GHZ CPU , OS 2.3.6. how i upgrade os 4.0 or 4.1 ICS. Pl. mail me on [email protected]:disqus .com
i m using galaxy s 2 and v2.3 how can i upgrade my ics os…[email protected]
Hi, i am using IBALL Slide, How can i update it to ICS my Email ID: [email protected]
i am using motorola milestone xt800. i have not updating my phone. plz can u any body help me?
i have a sony ericsson neo v can i upgrade it from 2.3 to 4.0 ICS
I am using Samsung Galaxy Ace Plus. I want to whether ICS 4.0 will support my device
i gt 2.2.2 System, plz help me
I am using Spice CSL MI 410 right now OS 2.2.2 hardware : 1GHZ CPU, 512 ROM , 4INCH screen. Can i Upgrade os 2.2 to 4.0 or 4.1 ICS Please Reply me
wen will i get an update of galaxy note ,,,, i m still waiting for it …. please adivce
i have allview alldro 3 tablet , i wonder if i can put andro 4 on 2.3.its spec are kinda low , just asking .